In a video circulating on social networks, a priest states that the perpetrators of the attack, in an attempt to disband the group of faithful, opened fire inside the church, profaned the sanctuary and damaged church decorations. The parish priest, Fr. Andri Sánchez was also attacked during the disturbance and attempts were made to kill him. It has since been revealed that the assailants were members of the PSUV ( United Party of the Socialists of Venezuela).

State Versus Church Venezuela Style

The Parish Council of the church of  Our Lady of Guadalupe in Maracaibo acknowledged that on Sunday, the 27th of January, armed men attacked their church during a Mass celebrated as preparation for children soon to make their First Holy Communion. The perpetrators also desecrated the Eucharistic hosts.

Y ASI FUE

Se realizaba el Cabildo en la cancha de la parte posterior de la Iglesia Guadalupe en San Francisco #Zulia cuando grupos de trabajadores de la alcaldía (así los identificaron) amenazó y hasta disparó contra los presentes. Se metieron al templo pensando estar seguros pic.twitter.com/CdqBynibvM

— Lenin Danieri D (@LDanieri) January 27, 2019

The Cabildo was held on the court at the back of the Guadalupe Church in San Francisco #Zulia when groups of workers from the mayor’s office (thus they were identified) threatened and even shot at those present. They went to the temple thinking they were safe